Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G vs Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G has more in its favour on paper. The FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II gathers more light for low light and background blur; the FE 20-70mm f/4 G is lighter and cheaper.
Choose the FE 20-70mm f/4 G for
- less weight (488g vs 695g)
- a lower price (about £810 vs £1,280)
- a wider starting focal length (20mm vs 24mm)
Choose the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/2.8, about 1.0 stops more light)
| FE 20-70mm f/4 G | FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Focal length | 20-70mm | 24-70mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Weight | 488 g | 695 g |
| Stabilisation | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Filter size | 72mm | 82mm |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| New price | £999 | £2,099 |
| Used at MPB (Sony E / FE) | £789–£834 | £1,079–£1,479 |
More lens comparisons
See all Sony E / FE cameras and lenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G better than the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II?
The FE 20-70mm f/4 G offers less weight (488g vs 695g), a lower price (about £810 vs £1,280), a wider starting focal length (20mm vs 24mm); the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/2.8, about 1.0 stops more light).
Which is better value, the FE 20-70mm f/4 G or the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II?
On Sony E / FE, the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G costs about £810 against about £1,280 for the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/2.8 worth it over f/4?
f/2.8 gathers about 1.0 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Sony E / FE.